Tehran: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will participate in an upcoming United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting focusing on Palestine, as confirmed by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei. Araghchi is set to travel to New York on January 20 for the meeting chaired by Algeria, Baghaei announced during his weekly press conference in Tehran.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the UNSC meeting will address the Middle East agenda, with special emphasis on the developments in occupied Palestine, particularly Israel's actions in Gaza. Additionally, Baghaei mentioned President Masoud Pezeshkian's forthcoming regional tour, which includes visits to Tajikistan and Russia. The spokesman underscored the importance of diplomatic relations with Tajikistan and highlighted the significance of the president's trip.

Baghaei also discussed the Iran-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, describing it as a revised version of a 25-year-old cooperation agreement between Tehran and Moscow. He emphasized that the agreement aims to address the evolving global needs of both countries.

Regarding the South Caucuses, Baghaei reiterated Iran's commitment to ensuring security in the region, citing a recent visit by Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Akbar Mehrabian to Azerbaijan and Armenia. He stressed the importance of relations with these neighboring countries.

Addressing recent remarks by France's President Emmanuel Macron, Baghaei criticized France's anti-Iran stance and urged Paris to adopt a constructive approach toward West Asia. He refuted allegations against Iran's nuclear program, labeling them as baseless and long-standing.

Baghaei also condemned France for hosting a meeting of the Mujahedine Khalq Organization (MKO), a group Iran considers terrorist. He stated that the French ambassador to Tehran was summoned over the issue, emphasizing the need to refrain from supporting terrorist activities.

On the subject of talks with the United States, Baghaei affirmed that Iran's position remains unchanged. He stated that Iran is open to negotiations but will base its decisions on the actions of Washington. Furthermore, he noted ongoing discussions between Iran and Europe in Geneva, without providing specifics.